7 Common Data Backup Mistakes to Avoid for Small Businesses

Did you know that, on average, a cyberattack costs small businesses over $200,000 to recover from fully? That’s why, if you own a small business, you need to do everything that you can to ensure that you’re protected from these kinds of attacks.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from cyberattacks, and make creating a disaster recovery plan easier, is to back up your data. That, combined with avoiding common data backup mistakes, will ensure that you’re better protected from any unwanted issues.

In this article, we’ll break down 7 common data backup mistakes that all small business owners need to avoid making. We’ll give you a guide on how to avoid those mistakes, too, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is secure.

1. Not Having a Backup

It goes without saying, but the worst data backup strategy is no data backup strategy at all. So, if you don’t have a backup plan in place already, sitting down and getting something set up ASAP is more than a good idea.

Simply put, not backing up your data is a recipe for disaster. If your business is a victim of one of many common cyber threats, or a natural disaster, you could be starting over again from scratch, which isn’t what you want.

2. Being Inconsistent With Your Backups

Outside of not having a backup strategy at all, the next biggest mistake has to do with how often you’re backing up your data. Not backing up often enough can lead still lead to major issues, which is why you need to have a solid backup schedule in place.

One of the biggest benefits of the cloud is that it allows you to schedule backups every day, and even every hour, so you’re always covered. That, combined with many other notable benefits, makes investing in the cloud a no-brainer.

3. Not Backing up All Files

There’s nothing worse than needing to access a backup, only to find out that all of your files and data weren’t being backed up at all. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your routine backups include all files and data that you deem important.

A pro tip? Take some time to go through your data and analyze what needs to be included in all routine backups. Check back periodically to confirm all new data is being backed up, too, to keep yourself and your business protected.

4. Relying on Physical Backups Only

If you want to create a solid backup strategy that covers a lot of data, physical backups are an affordable way to do so. Oftentimes, physical backups are cheaper than the cloud, which works well for small businesses on a budget.

That being said, physical backups can be damaged during things like natural disasters or fires. So, only relying on them for your backup needs isn’t a good idea, to say the least.

Our recommendation? Include, at worst, your most important data in an online backup of some kind. That way, you can make sure that the things that you need to have to run your business are secured, should something happen to your physical backups.

5. Not Verifying That Backups Occurred

Got both your online and physical backups scheduled? Feel confident that everything that you need to be backed up is covered? Check every so often to ensure that your routine backups are working properly.

It’s not uncommon for backups to glitch or malfunction, leading you to believe that they’re working when they’re not. To confirm that your backups are indeed working the way you want them to, you’re going to want to check on them manually to confirm all your data is covered.

How often you need to do this depends on how often you’re backing up your data. Two or three times a week, at least, is a good place to start for most small businesses.

6. Not Using the Right Technology

No two businesses are the same. Meaning that what you need to properly backup your data is most likely different than another business that is located down the street from you.

Sure, you can learn how to use Time Machine on your Mac to back up small files and documents yourself. But for most businesses, you’re going to need something more powerful to get the job done the right way.

Another huge benefit of the cloud is that it is 100% scalable to your business. That means that you only have to pay for what you need, and you can get more space as your business grows, which is ideal for business owners who want to expand down the line.

7. Not Planning for Power Outages

If your business loses power for a few days, you need to make sure that you can access everything that you need to run your business from somewhere else. This is, again, where the cloud comes in handy, as it will make it possible for you to run your day-to-day operations from anywhere in the world.

Also, it’s another reason why frequent backups are so important. It might seem like overkill, but having a backup of all of your data from the last hour will come in handy should you ever run into an emergency.

Need More Help With Avoiding Data Backup Mistakes?

The key to avoiding common data backup mistakes is to plan for the absolutely worst-case-scenario. This will ensure that you have multiple, routine backups, allowing you to create a strong disaster recovery plan for your business.

Upgrading your hardware over time, and investing in the cloud is also worth considering. That way, you can stay up to date and better protect your business from cyberattacks.

Looking for more ways to get the most out of the tech in your office? Check back with our blog often, as we’re always talking about the latest gadgets on the market.